- Aiyedatiwa names new SSG, Chief of Protocol
- Why Aiyedatiwa settled for ex-NASS clerk
- Sacked commissioner humiliated by civil servants
Permutations on who Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State will appoint as his deputy heated up the polity again on Wednesday as the governor picked a former Deputy Clerk of the National Assembly, Olayide Adelami, as the deputy governor of the state.
Many interest groups in the state along political, regional and religious divides have made cases for their course on whom to succeed Aiyedatiwa in office following the death of late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu on December 27, 2023.
Governor Aiyedatiwa had been under pressure to name a deputy governor, who would assist him with the administration of governance in the state.
The Point gathered that the choice of the deputy governor was an uphill task for Aiyedatiwa considering his experience and that of those who stood by him, especially during the political crisis and bickering that led to his eventual emergence as the governor after Akeredolu’s death.
Aiyedatiwa was on December 27, 2023, sworn in as the substantive governor of the state following the death of Governor Akeredolu, 67, who passed away while undergoing treatment for prostate cancer in a German hospital.
The pressure on Aiyedatiwa came mainly from those who hail from the northern and central senatorial districts of the state.
Akeredolu hailed from the Northern district and there were arguments that the number two slot should be ceded to the northern district under the current dispensation.
The argument was that the zone will complete eight-year tenure in office which is expected to end in February 2025 after which it will be the turn of the southern senatorial district to produce the next governor of the state. Aiyedatiwa hails from the Southern district of Ondo State.
Among those who schemed for the number two position included Chief Olugbenga Ale, who was Akeredolu’s Chief of Staff, the state’s former Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Razaq Obe; former Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development in the state, Omowunmi Olatunji-Ohwovoriole; Mrs. Jumoke Ajasin- Anifowose, the daughter of the late governor of the State, Chief Adekunle Ajasin, among others.
The nomination of Adelami came a few hours after the governor sacked all the Commissioners and Special Advisers on Wednesday.
In a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Ebenezer Adeniyan, the name of the new deputy governor has been transmitted to the state House of Assembly for approval.
“His nomination will be announced by the House of Assembly later today,” the statement read.
The governor also relieved all Senior Special Assistants and Special Assistants of their duties.
In another statement by Adeniyan on Wednesday, the governor said the development would take immediate effect.
The statement read, “All members of the cabinet are to immediately hand over to the Permanent Secretaries or the most senior administrative officers in their respective offices.
“All the affected officials are directed to hand over all government properties in their possession.
“The governor thanks the affected officials for their services and contributions to the development of the state.”
Adelami retired as Deputy Clerk to the National Assembly in April 2018. He hails from Owo, Owo Local Government Area, the same LGA of late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu.
Adelami was an APC governorship aspirant in 2020 but stepped down for the late Akeredolu.
Adelami faces Ondo Assembly today for screening as Deputy Governor
Meanwhile, the Ondo State House of Assembly has invited Adelami to appear before the lawmakers for screening as Deputy Governor on Thursday (today).
The House on Wednesday confirmed receipt of a letter from Governor Aiyedatiwa requesting the screening of Adelami.
A statement made available to journalists on Wednesday in Akure by the Chairman, House Committee on Information, Olatunji Oshati, said that the Governor’s letter was received by the Speaker, Olamide Oladiji.
The statement said that the Governor’s request was in line with the provision of Section 191(3) B and C of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended.
It said that Adelami, who hails from Owo in Owo Local Government Area of the State, is expected to appear before the House on Thursday for screening.
Governor Aiyedatiwa appoints new SSG, Chief of Protocol
Also, Governor Aiyedatiwa has appointed Tayo Oluwatuyi Oluseye as the new Secretary to the State Government.
This is the second time in seven years that Oluseye, who is currently a federal commissioner in the National Population Commission, would be appointed SSG.
The Ondo State Governor also appointed Abayomi Olasanya as the Chief of Protocol.
The appointments were announced in a statement by Aiyedatiwa’s Chief Press Secretary, Ebenezer Adeniyan in Akure.
According to the statement, both appointments are with immediate effect.
The Independent National Electoral Commission recently scheduled the Ondo State governorship election on November16, 2024 and the party primaries to between April 6 and 27, 2024.
By law, Aiyedatiwa is expected to complete the joint tenure of the late Akeredolu and himself, which ends in February 2025. Besides, Aiyedatiwa is also eligible to contest the November 16 governorship poll in the state.
However, the spokesperson of the APC, Felix Morka, said last week that members would decide who would get the governorship ticket.
Asked whether APC would offer Aiyedatiwa the right of first refusal on the governorship ticket, Morka said the party has not had such a discussion, adding that the party follows democratic principles.
The APC spokesperson said the party does not give “free gifts” and that “positions are meant to be contested.”
His words, “We have not had that discussion, but we are a democratic and progressive party. We don’t give anything to people; people have to justify and earn it. It is not to us (referring to APC executives); they have to justify their suitability, qualification, or criteria; it is to the people of the state who are our members, who would participate in the direct or indirect primary.
“Whatever preference anyone may have; it is all subject to the democratic decision of the party members who will participate in our primaries. We don’t give free gifts in APC. We contest, compete, and win whatever it is we can get in terms of representation.”
Sacked commissioner humiliated by civil servants
In the same vein, Ondo State judicial workers on Wednesday booed and mocked former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Charles Titiloye.
Titiloye was said to be in his office when news filtered in that Governor Aiyedatiwa had dissolved the cabinet.
The judicial workers gathered around the premises to watch him leave when they learnt of the governor’s action.
Titiloye delayed leaving the office as hundreds of angry workers outside waited for him to step out.
The workers poured invectives on him over his alleged highhandedness while in office.
But policemen from the Special Weapons and Tactics unit whisked Titiloye away in another vehicle after the tires of his car were deflated by the angry workers.
One of the workers, who simply gave her name as Evelyn, said, “Titiloye Charles frustrated everyone working in the ministry. We don’t know where the late Akeredolu picked him up and left him in the office all this time.
“There was a time that we judicial workers wanted to go on strike because of his attitude towards us but we prevailed upon, and we shelved it.
“Honestly, he has not been a good person. What you should be concerned about is why he was the one who was booed. There are three other commissioners in the complex but Titiloye was booed. So that says a lot about his days in office.”
